Issue#:2 Volume#: 35
Combat Voice of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU)
March/April, 2014
What does it take? Advancing Workers’ Interest for - Sugar and other National Issues Future Development - FITUG’s May Day Message We from the Combat editorial desk are often perplexed over issues of great significance to our collective national development, which, though thorny or challenging, swiftly become extended controversies and dilemmas of chronic national proportions.
We understand that certain policies, programmes and approaches can attract differences of opinion, style and treatment. However, since the Executive began lacking a majority in the legislature less than three (3) years ago, decision-makers at the highest level seem to create quagmires of heated contention and uncompromising positions, resulting in political, parliamentary and national stalemates, all extremely deleterious to the population’s welfare and the good of Guyana. Recent examples would include the state of the vital sugar industry and what should/must be done; national projects launched by the government, including the proposed Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Plant, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport expansion, a modern Hotel and Specialty Hospital; as well as legislation regarding Anti-Money Laundering and a National Procurement Commission. Combat therefore asks: What does it take to solve the difference surrounding these issues which are bound to impact on the well-being of every Guyanese – from employment opportunities to personal and corporate/ national fiscal existence? Combat suspects that the answer lies in political will! Yes! Unfortunately, it seems that our developmental destiny often lies in the hands of political representatives who are fanatical about their position to the exclusion of what’s best for Guyana. Sadly, political gamesmanship submerges national interests. Take sugar: the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) has been forthright in calling for a revamp of both the GuySuCo Board of Directors and the restoration of purposeful Management to the beleaguered sugar industry. And since harvesting mechanization is inevitable, as the labour pool is dwindling, the Union and the workforce should be informed and consulted for, among other things, their supportive role. Another matter having publicity is the Procurement Commission. There seems to be an impasse as to Government’s role after the establishment of the Commission. Combat says that since the elected Government is ultimately responsible for the billions being spent on contracts, as manager of the people’s resources, what does it take for our Parliamentary representatives, advisers and drafters of laws to come up with a combination that addresses all concerns? Just what?! What must politics stymie progress on such a front? Continued on page six COMBAT: March/April, 2014
Attendees at the FITUG May Day Rally last year
The generations that will carry forward the May Day banner in our times do so proud of the internationalist solidarity it entails, whilst giving effect to the slogan “Workers of the World, Unite!”. We should also be proud to know that Guyana has a particularly cherished history in responding to the call for May 1st to be a Workers’ Day. Our records reveal that “May Day demonstrations were inaugurated by the British Guiana Labour Union (BGLU) in or about 1930.” That union, among the first in this part of the world to celebrate Labour Day, is today the Guyana Labour Union (GLU), a prominent affiliate of FITUG, the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG). Secondly, it is also of interest to recall that it was the then People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government that declared 1st May, 1958 a public holiday to be observed and celebrated by the workers of the country. Interestingly, it was on a Motion in the Legislative Council moved by Mr Rupert Tello, then the TUC General Secretary, that the new May Day replaced the May 24 Empire Day holiday. Against that historical background, FITUG joins the present TUC, our National Leaders and all working people in celebrating May Day 2014. At this time, we also reflect on the path we traversed since May Day was first officially recognized fifty-six (56) May Days ago. Throughout the almost six decades, from the one-time contentious Labour Relations Bill to the myriad pieces of labour-oriented legislation – just culminating with a National Minimum Wages Order – FITUG feels comfortable and justified that out of our many, at times arduous struggles, our workers have made notable advances. At this time, the industrial relations climate, though far
from perfect, is stable and offers a sound and encouraging basis for greater all-round improvements. Those at the top rungs of society and enterprises have a crucial role to ensure this remains so. Our celebrations once again have the shadow of a dark cloud hovering over it, stemming from the sharp disagreements in our Parliament over several aspects of the Budget proposals which resulted in a cut of over $37 billion. At the level of development of our country, and taking into account the cuts of 2012 and 2013, this is mind-boggling indeed. The projects and programmes that will be affected will certainly impact the lives of our working people, our Amerindian communities and our youth, among other effects. This is really a sad narrative considering the mature outlook our political practitioners are capable of, or can rise to in our small developing country. FITUG sees the need for the Guyanese working-people and their genuine organisations to be more actively engaged in the consideration of issues which impinge on life’s quality, our well-being and our country’s future. We hope that the spirit of May Day can guide our political leaders and help them to make decisions beneficial to all our working-people and their families – for today and our tommorrows. May Day 2014 finds our world facing many serious challenges. We view them with anxiety, but we think it is not a time to despair. Working-people must rise up to meet the multifarious challenges and threats. The conditions in our times bring to mind the enduring and apt words:Workers! Unite and Struggle! There is nothing to lose but your Chains! There is a world to win! Page One
GAWU remembers Kowsilla’s 50th Death Anniversary observed Dr Jagan Our Union, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), conducted commemorative events on each of the seven (7) grinding estates during the months of March and April to reflect on the work and life of the former Honorary President of the Union, Dr Cheddi Jagan, who in the last five (5) years of his life was the President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana. The events, which were held in Mandirs, Schools and Community Centres, included a short address on Dr Jagan’s trade union work ,and featured poetry recitals, tassa drumming, dances, quotations Dr Cheddi Jagan from some of Dr Jagan’s speeches. Additionally a few cricket and domino competitions were organized. Dr Cheddi Jagan, whose political life spanned over five (5) decades, co-founded the People’s Progressive Party (PPP); and as its leader, tirelessly advanced the cause of adult suffrage, of Guyana’s independence from colonial rule, and the restoration of democracy to Guyana, among other things. He was also instrumental in the founding of the Guiana Industrial Workers Union (GIWU) in 1946, the
forerunner of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), and GAWU itself in 1961. As a politician and trade unionist, Dr Jagan embraced the ideology of MarxismLeninism, which for him was a guide to action and analysis. Dr Jagan and his People’s Progressive Party made a sterling contribution to raising the political consciousness of the Guyanese people, and they were on the forefront of the anti-colonial battles and progressive development policies in our country. The long-lasting systemic crisis which currently engulfs the capitalist system, 17 years after Dr Jagan’s death, vindicates his advocacy for change of the socio-economic capitalist formation. His advocacy for a New Global Human Order (NGHO) sought to meet the fundamental needs of the people, their cultural development, and a clean and safe environment to serve these aims and to generally reduce the appalling poverty which continues to afflict most developing nations.
The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the Management of BEV Processors Inc, during January and February, 2014, took two (2) sessions in negotiation to agree on a pay rise of seven (7) per cent and improving the monetary benefits of breakfast, lunch and dinner as follows $400, $475 and $525 respectively. The New vacation allowances are 1 – 4 years’ service: $13,000; 5 – 7 years’ service: $15,500; and over 7 years’ service: $17,500; the new out-of-town allowance is $2,500 daily and the attendance allowance for women workers was also increased to
$7,000 per month The almost 300 workers, the majority of whom are women, enjoyed the adjustments retroactively to January 01, 2014. The Company’s business includes the processing of fish and shrimps. The Union’s negotiating team comprised its General Secretary, Cde Seepaul Narine; the Union’s Field Secretary, Cde Ramnarace Tiwari, and the branch members. The Company team comprised its owner/CEO, Cde Bruce Vieira, Company directors and senior management personnel.
BEV workers receive 7 per cent wage/salary hike
“Capitalist barbarism, crisis and Imperialist wars, or socialism” COMBAT: March/April, 2014
Attendees at the gravesite activity
Every year, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) remembers heroine Kowsilla since her demise on March 06, 1964. The Union organizes yearly events at the Anna Catherina Cemetery, West Coast Demerara, where Kowsilla was interred. The attendees this year comprised, among others, Cdes Komal Chand, Seepaul Narine, Kenneth Joseph – union leaders; Hydar Ally, Harripersaud Nokta, Julius Faeber – political leaders; and Indra Chandarpal – women’s leader. Before the cemetery events, there was a march along the public road which started at the vicinity of the Leonora Primary School, which is about a mile away from the cemetery. The following organisations participated in both the march and cemetery activities:- the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) andd the Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO), among others. Kowsilla, although she was not a sugar worker, participated actively in providing solidarity with striking sugar workers who were demanding regular work and the recognition of GAWU in place of the Man Power Citizens Association (MPCA) which had been discredited as a
Company Union. The protest took place within the context of a political protest in the country at the time. Thousands of Guyanese had resented the imposition of a new electoral system in our country by the British Colonial Office. The Proportional Representation system, which did not exist in the British Empire at the time, replaced the First-Past-the-Post system with a view to ousting the leftist People’s Progressive Party (PPP) at General Election to be held in December, 1964, one year before the end of four (4) year period of Government. The striking Leonora workers, before their strike, had joined many Guyanese to march along the coast of Guyana, demonstrating their disagreement with the new electoral system. The hundreds of striking workers were denied work by the Estate because of their participation in the protest. GAWU salutes the courage and sacrifice displayed by Kowsilla, which then strengthened the continuing struggles for GAWU’s recognition as the Union to represent the field and factory workers in the sugar industry. In February, 1976, after almost three (3) decades of struggle, GAWU at last became the recognized union in the place of the MPCA.
SILWFC improves workers’ loans Arising from representation by the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) to the Sugar Industry Labour Welfare Fund Committee (SILWFC), sugar workers are now to obtain a Repair and Extension house loan from $200,000 to $500,000 and potable water subsidy from $3,000
to $4,000 per annum with effect from 2014. Both construction and repair loans are interest free. Sugar workers are also eligible to obtain a low interest loan for house construction from the New Building Society and other commercial banks. Page Two
GAWU President Komal Chand’s contribution to 2014 National Budget debate
Comrade Speaker, Members of the National Assembly, I take the opportunity to support the 2014 Budget presented to this National Assembly by the Honourable Minister of Finance, Dr Ashni Singh. In this Budget 2014 presentation, the Minister has indeed covered a lot of ground regarding the country’s economic state. The statistics provided, though they can be overwhelming, give us a better understanding and a clearer picture of where we are at this time. In several areas we see real growth, and I join in applauding such achievements. Indeed, Comrade Speaker, given the growth rate of last year, the size of the proposed budget and its projections for the months ahead, the trend seems to be upbeat and positive. Budget 2014 indicates consistency. Given its thrust, its focus, its intentions, in my general assessment, the government is staying the course. The innovations it envisages fit into the course charted. With greater certainty, we can today say that we are more and more distancing ourselves from that time when economic stagnation, hardship conditions and a bleak future were aspects of life’s realities. Hopefully, such experiences will remain in our past. The Budget’s theme, “A Better Guyana for All Guyanese”, grips interest. It implies, for me, inclusivity. And the words carefully chosen, I believe, should be emphasized and, I urge, be our guide in our economic and other endeavours. When considered alongside last year’s theme, we get a lofty political statement, one which is not only relevant, but also which, in light of our current exceptional politics, deserves our adherence. The Minister’s speech informed us that the economic crisis that hit the developed capitalist countries since around 2008 may be receding. There are signs of an economic ‘recovery’. While this should be taken as a positive development, given the global reach of that crisis and its attendant hardships, one cannot ignore the other manifestations of that crisis. We need to enquire, for instance whether the expected ‘recovery’ will restore homes to the millions of the homeless, who are forced to live in night shelters, streets and tents. Or how soon it will provide employment with decent wages, and give back dignity to the millions of jobless, the ranks of whom will increase this year, according to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Global Employment Trends 2014 report. We should also be aware that the streets of many countries are still alive with mass demonstrations of working people and students, who are struggling to shake off the austerity burdens placed on their backs by ruling elites. A ‘recovery’ should no doubt impact such realities, but it seems, Comrade Speaker, that they will not soon or easily go way. And importantly, let us not fail to see the dangers and traps that attend countries that chose the path of neo-liberalism. As we follow economic questions and how they are playing out on the international stage, we should be mindful that there are other issues that warrant our attention. Allow me, Comrade Speaker, to refer to one. This year marks one hundred (100) years since the First World War started. It was an imperialist war that brought in its wake the slaughter of millions and untold destruction. After this, there was the Second World War, and nowa-days we see an aggravated world situation where a COMBAT: March/April, 2014
prolonged economic/financial crisis provides fodder for a pervasive war machine that is roaming and spreading conflicts in several regions of our planet. Will these military activities trigger off another world conflagration? The threat is there, we must work to avoid it; otherwise, Comrade Speaker, our dreams for “A Better Guyana for All Guyanese” and a prosperous and productive future can well go up in flames. Social Sectors Comrade Speaker, the Budget once again puts much emphasis on the Social Sectors. We know that these sectors are linked to the quality of life we enjoy. Expenditure in these sectors is probably the clearest expression and our best indicator that the working people and poor have not been forgotten. The sum of $85.7B is allocated to these sectors. Given our developing status, this is not a small amount. It demonstrates the Government’s com-
mitment to ease the hardships of our hard-pressed people. The housing sector continues to show progress. Thousands of Guyanese today have become home owners. It is an indicator of a rise in living standard, and here the Guyana Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper: 20082012 states, when it is interestingly observed, that “more than three-quarters of the poor had their own dwellings in 2006, with adequate rooms for occupants and bathrooms”. The introduction of the Mortgage Interest Relief initiative last year, which supports the Commercial Banks and the New Building Society loan policies, makes home ownership no longer a luxury, but has been brought within the reach of the working man and woman. That worthy goal of the past– to house the nation – is today increasingly being realized. As with housing, similar strides have been made in the
water sector. Over the year, much was accomplished in the installation, modernization and rehabilitation of this sector. In this respect, the Guyana Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper 2008-2012 states that the “significant progress made, especially in hinterland and rural coastal communities, has resulted in about sixty-three (63) per cent of the poor having access to potable water.” By 2006, Comrade Speaker, some 91 per cent of households in Guyana have access to SAFE drinking water, a significant increase, as against 50 per cent in 1990, according to our Guyana Millennium Development Goals Report 2011. The same positive trends can be seen in Education, Health, and in regard to Pension. These are improvements and expansions that are ongoing. Taken cumulatively, they have a major impact on poverty. Thus, in the twenty-two (22) years of the PPP/Civic Administration, 39 per cent of our population was taken out of poverty, according to the Guyana Millennium Development Goals Report 2011. With this Budget, I believe there would be a further reduction in the level of poverty in our country. With such noteworthy accomplishments, we cannot turn the Nelson’s eye to the major role of the state, its institutions and the political leadership. In their hands are some of the biggest enterprises of the country, and they managed them reasonably well and in the people’s interest. Often, things are taken for granted, and we fail to give the deserving recognition to the state, for the importance and performance levels of those who must ensure the various systems work. In this regard, we must be wary of those who would wish to make everything, including Health and Education, into commodities, whereby profit, rather than people’s welfare and well-being, are being pursued. Sugar Industry Comrade Speaker, in the recent weeks and months, much attention has been paid to our nation’s sugar industry. Such interest, I would think, is not unexpected when the significance and enormity of the industry is taken into account. Certainly, the industry’s performance in recent times has raised red flags, and has caused many, especially the stakeholders, to become concerned. It has caused, at times, persons to call for the industry’s closure and/or privatization. Lately, we have heard of suggestions that the industry should move away from sugar production and venture into other areas, such as ethanol and aquaculture. I share the concerns but do not agree with the solutions advanced. It is true that production has fallen and GuySuCo could not have met its 240,000 tonnes production target in 2013, especially when note is taken of its field and factories capacities and capabilities. But I hold the view that the several factors responsible for this poor performance can be identified, and ought to be addressed in a more purposeful way. The Budget Speech identified some of the steps to be taken at this time, and I wish to emphasize the importance of appointing a new Board of Directors for GuySuCo in these challenging times. continued on page seven Page Three
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Agents of Destabilization in Venezuela: The Dirty Hand of the National Endowment for Democracy
Protestors in the streets of Caracas in confrontation with the police
By Eva Golinger Anti-government protests in Venezuela that seek regime change have been led by several individuals and organizations with close ties to the US Government. Leopoldo Lopez and Maria Corina Machado- two of the public leaders behind the violent protests that started in February – have long histories as collaborators, grantees and agents of Washington. The National Endowment for Democracy “NED” and the US Agency for International Development (USAID) have channelled multi-million-dollar funding to Lopez’s political parties, Primero Justicia and Voluntad Popular, and Machado’s NGO Sumate and her electoral campaigns. These Washington agencies have also filtered more than $14 million to opposition groups in Venezuela between 2013 and 2014, including funding for their political campaigns in 2013 and for the current anti-government protests in 2014. This continues the pattern of financing from the US Government to anti-Chavez groups in Venezuela since 2001, when millions of dollars were given to organizations from so-called “civil society” to execute a coup d’etat against President Chavez in April 2002. After their failure days later, USAID opened an Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI) in Caracas to, together with the NED, inject more than $100 million in efforts to undermine the Chavez government and reinforce the COMBAT: March/April, 2014
opposition during the following 8 years. At the beginning of 2011, after being publically exposed for its grave violations of Venezuelan law and sovereignty, the OTI closed its doors inVenezuela, and USAID operations were transferred to its offices in the US. The flow of money to anti-government groups didn’t stop, despite the enactment by Venezuela’s National Assembly of the Law of Political Sovereignty and NationalSelf-Determination at the end of 2010, which outright prohibits foreign funding of political groups in the country. US agencies and the Venezuelan groups that receive their money continue to violate the law with impunity. In the Obama Administration’s Foreign Operations Budgets, between $5-6 million have been included to fund opposition groups in Venezuela through USAID since 2012. The NED, a “foundation” created by Congress in 1983 to essentially do the CIA’s work overtly, has been one of the principal financiers of destabilization in Venezuela throughout the Chavez administration, and now against President Maduro. According to NED’s 2013 Annual Report, the agency channelled more than $2.3 million to Venezuelan opposition groups and projects. Within that figure, $1,787,300 went directly to antigovernment groups within Venezuela, while another $590,000 were distributed to regional organizations that work with and fund the Venezuelan opposition. More than $300,000 were directed towards efforts to develop a new generation
of youth leaders to oppose Maduro’s government politically. One of the groups funded by NED to specifically work with youth is FORMA (http://www.forma.org.ve), an organization led by Cesar Briceño and tied to Venezuelan banker Oscar Garcia Mendoza. Garcia Mendoza runs the Banco Venezolano de Credito, a Venezuelan bank that has served as the filter for the flow of dollars from NED and USAID to opposition groups in Venezuela, including Sumate, CEDICE, Sin Mordaza, Observatorio Venezolano de Prisiones and FORMA, amongst others. Another significant part of NED funds in Venezuela from 2013-2014 was given to groups and initiatives that work in media and run the campaign to discredit the government of President Maduro. Some of the more active media organizations outwardly opposed to Maduro and receiving NED funds include Espacio Publico, Instituto Prensa y Sociedad (IPYS), Sin Mordaza and GALI. Throughout the past year, an unprecedented media war has been waged against the Venezuelan Government and President Maduro directly, which has intensified during the past few months of protests. In direct violation of Venezuelan law, NED also funded the opposition coalition, the Democratic Unity Table (MUD), via the US International Republican Institute (IRI), with $100,000 to “share lessons learned with [anti-government groups in] Nicaragua, Argentina and
Bolivia...and allow for the adaption of the Venezuelan experience in these countries”. Regarding this initiative, the NED 2013 annual report specifically states its aim: “To develop the ability of political and civil society actors from Nicaragua, Argentina and Bolivia to work on national, issue-based agendas for their respective countries, using lessons learned and best practices from successful Venezuelan counterparts. The Institute will facilitate an exchange of experiences between the Venezuelan Democratic Unity Roundtable and counterparts in Bolivia, Nicaragua and Argentina. IRI will bring these actors together through a series of tailored activities that will allow for the adaptation of the Venezuelan experience in these countries.” IRI has helped to build right-wing opposition parties Primero Justicia and Voluntad Popular, and has worked with the anti-government coaltion in Venezuela since before the 2002 coup d’etat against Chavez. In fact, IRI’s president at that time, George Folsom, outwardly applauded the coup and celebrated IRI’s role in a press release claiming, “The Institute has served as a bridge between the nation’s political parties and all civil society groups to help Venezuelans forge a new democratic future...” Details are in a report published by the Spanish institute FRIDE in 2010, international agencies that fund the Venezuelan opposition violate currency control laws in order to get their dollars to the recipients. Also confirmed in the FRIDE report was the fact that the majority of international agencies, with the exception of the European Commission, are bringing in foreign money and changing it on the black market, in clear violation of Venezuelan law. In some cases, as the FRIDE analysis reports, the agencies open bank accounts abroad for the Venezuelan groups, or they bring them the money in hard cash. The US Embassy in Caracas could also use the diplomatic pouch to bring large quantities of unaccounted dollars and euros into the country, for which are later handed over illegally to anti-government groups in Venezuela. What is clear is that the US Government continues to feed efforts to destabilize Venezuela, in clear violation of law. Stronger legal measures and enforcement may be necessary to ensure the sovereignty and defense of Venezuela’s democracy. Page Four
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Voices of Dissent Reject the US-Friendly Narrative on Ukraine
Armed pro-Russian activists guard a police station in the eastern Ukrainian city of Slavyansk
by Jon Queally Amid the fast-moving and often confusing daily developments in Ukraine, it has fallen to relatively few journalists and observers to challenge the dominant western media narrative in order to expose the claims made by top policy officials and lawmakers in the U.S. and Europe which should not be swallowed whole by those trying to understand the still volatile and unfolding crisis. According to critics, the tendency of many news outlets, particularly in the U.S., to consistently blame the crisis on Russian interference ignores key historical facts and leads to skewed perceptions about the realities taking place on the
ground. Among those critics of the dominant narrative that has been pushed by the U.S. Government and given uncritical coverage in many western outlets is, Guardian’s Seumas Milne, who pushed back heavily in his column. Warning that the “threat of war is growing” in Ukraine, Milne argues that the western hypocrisy concerning events in the country is made plain when the US and its European allies roundly condemn events now happening in the cities of eastern Ukraine that are “the mirror image of what took place in Kiev a couple of months ago”—which they supported and cheered. Concerning the events leading to the overthrow of Ukraine’s Viktor Yanuko-
vich in February, Milne writes: Then, it was armed protesters in Maidan Square seizing government buildings and demanding a change of government and constitution. US and European leaders championed the “masked militants” and denounced the elected government for its crackdown, just as they now back the unelected government’s use of force against rebels occupying police stations and town halls in cities such as Slavyansk and Donetsk. “America is with you,” Senator John McCain told demonstrators then, standing shoulder to shoulder with the leader of the far-right Svoboda party, as the US ambassador haggled with the state department over who would make up the new Ukrainian Government. When the Ukrainian president was replaced by a US-selected administration in an entirely unconstitutional takeover, politicians such as William Hague brazenly misled Parliament about the legality of what had taken place: the imposition of a pro-western government on Russia’s most neuralgic and politically divided neighbour. Putin bit back, taking a leaf out of the US street-protest playbook – even though, as in Kiev, the protests that spread from Crimea to eastern Ukraine evidently have mass support. But what had been a glorious cry for freedom in Kiev became infiltration and insatiable aggression in Sevastopol and Luhansk. After Crimeans voted overwhelmingly to join Russia, the bulk of the western
media abandoned any hint of evenhanded coverage. So Putin is now routinely compared to Hitler, while the role of the fascistic right on the streets and in the new Ukrainian regime has been airbrushed out of most reporting as Putinist propaganda. And continuing his hard-hitting analysis of how the U.S. media continues to carry water for the Obama administration’s characterization of the Ukraine crisis, independent journalist Robert Parry, who edits the Consortium News website, writes in his latest piece that “as the postcoup regime in Ukraine sends troops and paramilitaries to crack down on ethnic Russian protesters in the east, the U.S. news media continues to feed the American public a steady dose of anti-Russian propaganda, often wrapped in accusations of ‘Russian propaganda.’” As Milne notes, “there may be few global takers for Putin’s oligarchic conservatism and nationalism, but Russia’s counterweight to US imperial expansion is welcomed, from China to Brazil.” And in the end, he concludes, what’s necessary is not the victory of one narrative over the other, but the avoidance of “unintended consequences” that could follow from mistakes made on the ground in Ukraine. And what’s essential in that regard, according to Milne, are forces pushing for “a negotiated end to the crisis”, and not, as happened last week, more talk of a Third World War in which two nuclear powers face off against one another.
trol paradigm as the appropriate security response - maintaining the status quo, if need be, by the use of military force. The first two trends are hugely serious on their own account, and taken together demand a vigorous and urgent response. The third is, paradoxically, a relative success-story and is greatly to be welcomed; but it carries a real sting, because it means that far more people are becoming knowledgable of their own exclusion - and are thus, understandably frustrated and resentful. The fourth trend is typified by, but not limited to, the military invasion and occupation of states, as with Iraq or Afghanistan. The violent outcome of these ventures has meant a shift from tens of thousands of “boots on the ground” to more subtle and less accountable forces - including privatised military companies, special forces and ubiquitous armed-drones.
And yet change is in the air - and it involves more than the questioning of capitalism’s open-market stage. Bit by bit, climate disruption is being recognised as a threat to the whole world that requires radical action.
The Global Crisis: Seeing It Whole By Paul Rogers
There have been many books published about the failure of the global economic system since the onset of the financial crash in 2007-08, but two in particular compel attention. The first is Richard Wilkinson and Kate Pickett’s The Spirit Level (2009), which analysed in great depth the many ways in which inequality harms society and people’s life-chances. The second is Thomas Piketty’s Capital in the Twenty-First Century (2014), a magisterial historical overview of the entire system of capital whose copious research examines its inconsistencies and shows how its very structure consolidates extremes of wealth and poverty, and prevents it from delivering equity. Vigorous detraction by faithful devotees of the existing model is unlikely to COMBAT: March/April, 2014
diminish these books’ impact. Taken together, the changemaking opportunity of the two studies would be even further enhanced were they augmented by an analysis of the global system which takes into account wider dimensions of environment and security.
This strand of argument concentrates on four global trends - including how they interact and can best be addressed; the inability of the global system to deliver equity and emancipation, leading to the relative marginalisation of the majority of the world’s people; the increasing impact of environmental limitations on human activity, especially in relation to climate disruption; the worldwide improvement in education, literacy and communications over the past half-century, transforming societal potential in so many countries; and the persistence of the con-
There is, in short, significant movement in two areas: critical questioning of the open-market model, and wider acceptance of climate disruption. Wilkinson and Pickett’s book, and now Piketty’s, are vital contributions on the economic and social dimensions of the current crisis; so should be the global arguments on environment and security. These signs of progress are a start, no more. But if they are followed by serious exploration of radical responses, they could bring nearer the transformations of attitude and approach that current global trends demand. Page Five
Rose Hall Martyrs Monument unveiled
President Ramotar unveiling the monument
A monument constructed in the remembrance of fifteen (15) sugar workers slain in 1913 at Plantation Rose Hall was unveiled by President Donald Ramotar on March 13, 2014 at Old Burial Ground, which is nearby to where the workers were interred in a mass grave. Those murdered were:- Motey Khan, Bholay, Sohan, Hulas, Badri, Jugai, Sadula, Sarjoo, Lalji, Durga, Gafur, Juggoo and Gobindei. They has been in company with fellow workers insisting they be granted four (4) holidays that were promised to them by the Estate’s manager, Mr Smith. On 27th January 1913, Mr Smith announced that four (4) holidays would be granted to the estate’s workers for good sugar production in 1912. In those days, it was customary to grant workers a number of holidays when the level of production exceeded expectations. The next day (January 28th, 1913) the Manager informed the workers that he would not bother to grant the holidays, and required them to engage in cane-planting. The workers opposed the cancellation of the holidays, and decided to strike on 28th January, 1913. On 29th January, 1913, they turned out for work, but the Manager decided to institute action against seven workers who were deemed to be “ring leaders” for their perceived role in encouraging the workers in their strike action. The workers sought the support of the Immigration Agent, Mr Fairbairn, who sought to influence Mr Smith to rescind his decision. The Manager, however, demanded that the workers compensate his Estate for the loss that was suffered due to the day’s strike. The workers reportedly requested that the payments be made “little by little” as they earned in the ensuing weeks, but the Manager refused their proposal and sought the Magistrate’s support. On February 07th, 1913 about 300 indentured workers attended the court hearing. The Magistrate fined each striking worker three shillings, and ordered them to keep the peace for six months. The Manager, not pleased with the decision, demanded that the Immigration Agent-General COMBAT: March/April, 2014
transfer Motey Khan and his family, along with four other named labourers and their families, to other estates. The workers then began to protest against the transfer of their five colleagues. They also persuaded other workers to support their further strike action. On what turned out to be a grim day 13th March, 1913 - the Immigration Director approved the transfer of the five workers. On the same day, the police, led by Inspector James Ramsay, sought to arrest the five (5) workers who did not want to comply with the transfer order. The decision caused the striking workers to become irate and rebellious. Armed with rifles, the police arrested one worker, and then brutally and indiscriminately fired at the gathering of workers which resulted in the death of the thirteen (13) workers and injury to thirty-nine (39). The inauguration of the monument drew an appreciative attendance of school children and adults, including workers from neighbouring villages. President Ramotar, in his address, said among other things:- “What we enjoy today, that foundation was laid by our martyrs. Our sugar industry played a pivotal role in the life of our country. It was this industry that led the way that changed the conditions of our people. The sugar industry produced the first set of managers who went to class and helped to develop other industries in Guyana; skilled workers came firstly from this industry.” He added: “The sugar industry, for a long time, led our economy and was the biggest contributor to our Gross Domestic Product (GDP). At the moment, the industry contributes some 3.9% of our GDP, and it earned last year US$114M, which accounted for 8.3% of the total export earnings of Guyana. It pays wages to workers totalling $19.9B, and it employs some 16,000 workers, where they have 80,000 persons benefiting directly from this industry. Because of the difficulties that the sugar industry is experiencing and the changes in the regime, the government has and still supports this industry; and yet again, in this year’s budget, the industry will be catered for. But while we are doing this, we see
the opposition parties calling for the closure of the sugar industry, but I ask you comrades (to) ‘stand with me, and together we will overcome the difficulties and take the country to greater heights.” Dr Frank Anthony, Minister of Culture, Youth & Sport, whose Ministry constructed the Monument, said, among other things: “Indentureship was not an easy period of our history, there were many things that were dealt to our ancestors; in some cases, they worked for 3 months without any payment for the job done. These were the conditions that our ancestors laboured under.” He noted: “Many of these incidents of our history are lost because we do not put it into our books that our children read. If we do not know our history, then we would repeat the same mistakes; we must understand our history so we can defend what our ancestors fought for. As we honour our Martyrs, it is the hope that it will be incumbent on all of us to teach our history to our families, our friends, and our country at large.” In reference to the incident, Mr Evan Persaud, lecturer in the Faculty of Technology at the University of Guyana, referred to what he described as inaccuracies in the official report of the incident. For instance, he related, Corporal Ramsey and Motey Khan has been engaged in a physical confrontation as the Corporal attempted to arrest Khan. In the scuffle, they landed in a nearby trench. The police opened fire and accidentally shot Ramsey, but the official report stated that Corporal Ramsey was hacked with a stick by Motey Khan. Persaud explained that the report was found to be fallacious when Ramsey’s body was exhumed and it was established that he died from gunshot wounds.
President of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), Komal Chand, said: “These fallen workers remind us that sugar’s history is enriched by the struggles, sacrifices and the sweat and blood of the working class. That spirit continues throughout the years since that time and, pleasingly, I note, survives to this day in the industry. “But as we cast our minds backwards, we must not fail to recognize that the shooting down of workers seems the preferred method of suppression in the colonial context. This kind of relations between plantation owners and their workers typify a major feature of the system of colonialism. Expressed in another way, we can say that this was the inhuman relations between owners driven by the urge to make huge profits, and workers – whether as slaves, indentured labourers or wage earners; whose brutal exploitation was the primary source of such profits.” Referring to the industry, Cde Komal noted: “Today, the industry that has witnessed such inspiring exploits of ordinary men and women is facing new challenges. Though formidable, the GAWU holds firmly to the view, (that) these challenges are not impossible or daunting. It would require, however, a collective approach coming from the essential stakeholders. All must play their part.” Chairman of the Canje Community Development Committee (CCDA), Mr Mohammed Akeel, thanked all those who contributed to the cleaning and preparation of the ground, and the erection of the Monument. He explained that the CCDA has decided to commemorate/celebration past and present events of Canje annually at the Ground, which will be maintained and serve as a Park.
The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the Management of Caricom Rice Mills Limited (CRML) concluded their negotiations in respect to a pay rise and other allowances with effect from January 01, 2014. On March 25, 2014, the parties concluded the negotiations after three (3) sessions, agreeing to an across-theboard wage/salary increase of five (5) per cent and a heat allowance of five (5) per cent of the basic rate of pay per hour
for the boiler hands. During the negotiations, the Company had sought to reduce the monthly rice allowance of fifty (50) pounds to twenty-five (25) pounds monthly. That proposal did not find favour with the Union’s negotiations, and the Company finally dropped its request. CRML, situated at Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast, is owned by the Eastern Caribbean Group of Companies of St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Continued from page one The most potentially dangerous issue for Guyana, of course, is the non-passage of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism legislation. By now, even the usually-disinterested should know of the dire consequences facing Guyana. Difficulty in accessing or remitting finance, even receipt of remittances from relatives or businesses overseas, will be hampered when the May 2014 deadline kicks in. What does it
take, we ask again, for the Opposition to understand the fiscal damage to development and basic existence that will accrue? Why hold the Bill hostage to other unrelated legislation? These notes have been compiled just three (3) days before May 1st 2014 – the Workers Day. Combat enjoins that the Spirit of Critchlow and Edun, Burnham and Jagan and others be invoked to inspire conciliation. For what does it take to save Guyana?
GAWU/CRML reach agreement for 2014 benefits
What does it take?
Page Six
GAWU President, Komal Chand’s contribution... continued from page three Comrade Speaker, I am optimistic that the industry’s turnaround is within our possibilities; such a feat has been done before. Recall, Comrade Speaker, that between the latter 80s and early 90s average production dwindled to 154,740 tonnes between 1988 and 1991. However, between 2002 and 2004, average sugar production rose to 319,587 tonnes sugar, the gradual reversal beginning in 1992. This industry can do this again, I am certain. At this time, we cannot fail to recall that the industry remains an important and intrinsic component of not just our economy, but of Guyana’s social fabric. Its development and progress over the last three and a half centuries are largely responsible for thousands of slaves and indentured labourers being brought to our country. For their descendants, the industry has become their economic lifeline. Today, we should not downplay the fact that even at this time, the industry continues to serve our country in a multifaceted way, which the Minister reminds us of in his Budget Speech. In one way or another, Comrade Speaker, tens of thousands of Guyanese depend on the industry’s operations. At this time, and with so much at stake, it is incumbent upon us, Comrade Speaker to continue to actively support the industry. In passing, let me recall the industry’s direct support to our country through the extractive and onerous Sugar Levy, which saw billions of dollars being channelled to the Consolidated Fund; its role in producing thousands of artisans from its Port Mourant Training Centre; or the provision of land for housing. The Government has shown its supportive hand; I urge that we all do so too. In so doing, consideration should be given to the disbursements from the EU Accompanying Measures programme, which are intended essentially to sustain and help the industry to become competitive and sustainable once again. For those who have a negative view of the industry’s prospects, it is unfortunate. It is still a viable venture, and good guidance and leadership
can regain its rightful place in our nation’s economy. Region #3 Comrade Speaker, as a Member of Parliament representing Region Three (3), obviously, its many-sided activities are of special interest to me. Region Three (3), as we know, is rather extensive, and it is the third most populated of our ten (10) regions – two factors that are unhelpful for administration and in carrying on representational work. But it is a region where its citizens are enterprising. As a neighbour and with ease of access to our capital, its residents are a main contributor to Georgetown’s many-sided activities. The region itself is thriving. Workers, farmers, the selfemployed and small family enterprises are the mainstay of its economic life, making their invaluable contribution to our overall growth, and up keeping a vibrant economy. Social and physical infrastructure works by the Government and Regional Administration are today standard activities within the region. Over the years, such activities have served to change the environment and general looks of various villages, while at the same time enhancing our citizens’ well-being. The focus on infrastructure, in practical terms, means paved streets, excavation of canals, extension and equipping of health outposts and hospitals, to facilitate health services to reach more people; rehabilitation and construction of schools, going side by side with expanding water services and distribution of house lots, more so at Parfaite Harmony and Tuschen. As with last year, this Budget promises projects that will continue to see improvements in Region Three (3), and usher in more changes. In the coming period, we look forward eagerly to the completion of the athletic track at Leonora, the construction of a new power plant at Vreed-en-Hoop and the beginning of works on the road from Vreed-en-Hoop, to Parika. Hopefully, too, we may also see progress on the stated intention to build a new Demerara Harbour Bridge. Looked at in totality, Comrade Speaker, Region Three
(3) is continuing to grow. Ups and downs notwithstanding, in my Region progress is continuing. National Minimum Wage Comrade Speaker, you may recall in my last year’s intervention on that Budget that I raised the call for a National Minimum Wage to be implemented. Since this progressive measure was introduced in our country, I wish to express appreciation at the introduction of a National Minimum Wage. For those employers, who may be reluctant to implement it, I now take the opportunity to urge the Labour Minister that, with the set up mechanisms, systemic and legal, his Ministry must ensure full enforcement. Tax Reform At this time I feel constrained to express disappointment that the Income Tax threshold has not been further adjusted. Moreover, I am also disappointed to learn that the Tax Reform alluded to two (2) years ago has not been realized. I urge the Minister to intervene here, and by the time of the next Budget, the long awaited reform will see the light of day. Conclusion In his speech, the Minister of Finance called attention to a couple of historic accomplishments. Allow me to add another, Comrade Speaker. This is, I believe, the eighth (8th) budget presentation of the Minister. For the PPP/ Civic administration, he is the longest serving Finance Minister, a signal accomplishment. And it is notable also for yet another reason; he has held on to that post when it is generally believed that Ministers of Finance have a short life span in governments. I congratulate him. But apart from the recognition of personal accomplishments, sparkling as those maybe, our history can also be enduringly served by heeding other calls – the calls for integrity, for national unity, for social progress, among other just causes. Thus I say let us face the challenges ahead together, and thus ensure a Better Guyana for All Guyanese.
Sugar industry needs to be rescued
The sugar industry ought to be rescued from the deepening of its decline because of its continued support to significant sections of the 800,000-plus Guyanese population and the country’s growing COMBAT: March/April, 2014
economy. Despite the industry’s capacity and capabilities, its under-performance has been noticeable for years, as is evident in its level of production in the last five
(5) years (2009-2013), of which the average production was 219,185 tonnes sugar. In the previous five (5) year period (2004-2008), the average production was 264,735 tonnes sugar. Production has declined by as much as 17 per cent between the two (2) periods. High cost of production against low production this year, expected to be about 216,000 tonnes, and a reduction of the sugar price in the European Union (EU) market, currently about US$480 to US$490 per tonne against US$713 in 2013 places the industry in one of its most troubling and challenging years. The industry has set itself a production target of merely 74,616 tonnes sugar in the current crop. As at week-ending April 26, 2014, the industry has produced 64,488 tonnes sugar. From all appearances, the crop’s target would be attained, taking into account that weather
forecasters do not expect the usual May/ June rains and the fact that the industry has been reaping some hectares of canes which ought to be reaped in the second crop of this year. During next month (May, 2014), at varying times, the seven (7) factories would end their harvests. The next crop, which is expected to commence in the latter part of July, is estimated to realize a production of about 140,000 tonnes sugar. At this time the industry employs, at peak periods during the year, as many as 18,000 workers; many of the industry’s seven factories facilitate the canes grown by about 1,500 farmers. In totality, about 120,000 Guyanese, whether as employees, cane farmers, suppliers of materials, service providers and their dependents, benefit tangibly from this important state industry. Page Seven
May Day 2014
REMAINS COMMITTED TO: National and Working Class Unity; Solidarity; Social Justice; Democracy and World Peace
ON THIS MAY DAY
We renew our call:• For greater efforts to protect trade union and workers’ rights and gains, especially in the sugar industry and other state and private enterprises; • For increases in wages to be always above the inflation rate for all and sundry; for full implementation of the minimum wage, and for purposeful efforts to be made to address inequality; • For a review of the taxation regime with a view to make it fair and less burdensome to working people; • For measures to ensure a speedier settlement of NIS claims, and for NIS pensioners to receive their yearly pension increases; • For economic and services entities which are private to embrace and be guided by the slogan ‘PEOPLE BEFORE PROFITS’; • For the relevant authorities to ensure that development of, and investment in, our natural non-renewable resources, including our land and forest resources mainly benefit our country while significantly contributing to our people’s well-being, which would be in keeping with the 2014 Budget theme: A BETTER GUYANA FOR ALL GUYANESE; • For renewed and focused efforts to ensure a safe and secure society; • For workers and farmers to be increasingly placed in the decision-making process at all levels of society; • For all non-unionised workers to become members of a militant trade union to more effectively protect and promote their interest; • For greater efforts by government institutions and relevant NGOs, including legal approaches, to bring an end to child abuse and domestic violence.
ON THIS WORKERS DAY
• We remember the sacrifices made and those who fell in the fight against exploitation and for betterment; • We salute the millions of our fellow workers the world over who are at the frontlines battling to unshackle themselves from the severe hardships imposed by the bourgeois class and its political agents; • We reiterate our CONDEMNATION of Imperialism and its reactionary policies, particularly:* its aggressive and destructive wars and military occupation of countries, including US (Africom) and French military adventures in Africa; * its promotion of Neo-Nazi and extremist forces in Ukraine which is a new danger to world peace; * its stoking of renewed violent assaults of the Bolivarian process and the democratically elected government in Venezuela; • We express sincere solidarity once again:* to Socialist Cuba and recognise its commitment to Proletarian Internationalism; * to the Syrian people who are suffering atrocities at the hands of US Imperialism and its vassal states; * to the Palestinian people struggling against Israel’s colonial-like occupation and apartheid policies; * to the Latin American countries on a different path to capitalist neo-liberalism; • GAWU expresses its support for CELAC’s decision that Latin America and the Caribbean become a “Zone of Peace”. We urge the Guyana Government to pursue policies to ensure the realisation of this decision; • We recognize the need to uphold the proud and militant traditions of workers whose great efforts gave birth to May Day and who, today, are continuing along the path of fierce class struggles for economic justice, for world peace, for profound change in the capitalist world order.
To all the working people and their families of Guyana and to workers and the oppressed worldwide, the GAWU extends revolutionary May Day Greetings
Our struggle continues! Long live May Day! COMBAT is a publication of the Guyana Agricultural & General Workers Union (GAWU) 59 High Street & Wights Lane, Kingston, Georgetown, Guyana, S.A. Tel: 592-227-2091/2; 225-5321 , 223-6523 Fax: 592-227-2093 Email: gawu@bbgy.com Website: www.gawu.net